School Responsibilities

Girls are encouraged to play an active part in the school community and to develop their leadership skills by becoming
involved in our School Council , committees and charity work and taking on roles of responsibility.

School Council

The School Council meets once a month during assembly time and offers the girls an opportunity to contribute their views to the running of certain aspects of their school.

The Head Girls sit on the School Council along with a representative of every form in Years 1 to 6, elected by the girls. The format for elections is as follows:

class teacher speaks to the class about the role of the School Council

the pupils put themselves forward if they wish to stand for election

the pupils write a short speech about why they think they should be chosen as class representative

a secret ballot then takes place after all the speeches have been heard

the teacher informs the Director of Lower School

representatives are announced in assembly and awarded badges

Eco-Schools Committee

Representatives in Years 3 to 6 form the Eco-Schools Committee, which spearheads eco activities throughout the school, particularly Eco Week and recycling.

Lower School girls meet regularly with the Senior School Eco Team to share ideas and help implement school-wide eco initiatives.

Roles of Responsibility

At the beginning of the Autumn Term, Year 6 girls have the opportunity to make a written application for one of the school’s roles of responsibility. These are appointed by the Director of Lower School and work closely with the Assistant Director of Lower School (Pastoral).

Roles are: Head of House , Charity Rep, Prefects

It is expected that girls appointed to these roles demonstrate, in their everyday lives, all the values that St Mary’s upholds. Girls who apply should give evidence of their suitability to:

be a role model for other girls in the school

demonstrate independence, responsibility and reliability

monitor the welfare of other girls

assist in the organisation of school activities and events

wear the school uniform correctly and with pride

behave in an exemplary manner

demonstrate good work habits

be competent in self-management

have good personal organisation skills

be punctual and well-prepared for their responsibilities

be able to carry out delegated tasks efficiently

Prefects’ responsibilities:

to become involved in regular and special school events

to assist in Assembly organisation

to arrange facilities for school activities

to assist and direct parents who are attending school functions

to carry out break duties as required

to show new parents/visitors around the school

to meet regularly with the Assistant Director of Lower School (Pastoral)

Head of House responsibilities:

co-ordinate house points for the house

lead and support house members in whole school events

work on House Charity events

to become involved in regular and special school events

to arrange facilities for school activities

to assist and direct parents who are attending school functions

to carry out break duties as required

to meet regularly with the Assistant Director of Lower School (Pastoral)

Charity Rep responsibilities:

meet regularly with Mrs Bowler to organise charity events

help to choose charitable organisations for donation

organise and meet deadlines for set tasks

to become involved in regular and special school events

to carry out break duties as required

Head Girls

The election of Head Girls takes place in the Summer Term for the next academic year and the new Head Girls are announced at Prize Giving.

Head Girls are required to:

support the Director of Lower School in representing and promoting the school